Thursday, May 23, 2024
Day 5 Mankato to Madison Ride
When you ride a trail with directions,
Expecting the signs as reflections,
Of where you will go,
And then it's not so,
You're likely to have some objections.
Rochester, MN -> Lanesboro, MN
I rode 39 mi. Others 43
Bikes ready for a.m. departure
Are you minding your energy?
Departing Rochester, riding in chaotic downtown,
I thought of bike couriers—
Must be constantly nerve racking.
Much traffic from all directions.
Rochester’s nice trails sometimes
Lack signage clear enough
To let out-of-town folks
Know where they are and where to go.
Margaret, Hope, John, and I
Rode together through trail "options.”
They were skilled and clever,
Figuring out our route.
How appreciative I am!
Trail-side cattle operation
Out on roads we had clear signposts,
Good shoulders, safe riding.
I was draggy, low energy, much of day.
At lunch stop, which was at about mile 30,
(or so it seemed to me),
I asked Ken to put my bike and me
Into van for five mile trip to
Fountain, MN end of Root River Trail.
Dramatic rock formation along Root River Trail
Root River Trail shelter structure. Mostly used in winter, cross country skiers.
Excellent choice for me.
I got on trail for eleven mi ride to Lanesboro.
On the Fountain end, Trail starts with lengthy
Down-hill coasting.
I coasted slowly, delighted to be
Riding traffic free, calm, straight-forward
Bike Trail was exactly best way to end
Ride day.
Today was good,
A reminder to be aware of
My varying stamina.
Here’s to minding your energy!
Glad to be here riding.
Hugs,
Lin
My room for tonight with Margaret. Charming and wishfully lacking lights.
Chatfield, MN home. WOW!
Hi Lin,
I’m enjoying your trip vicariously… thanks for the delightful daily reports. So fun to be along for the ride. And, you are the most photogenic woman!!
Sending you love and wind at your back.
Hugs,
Barb
Thanks for “riding along,” Barbara—and for the kind compliment. <3
Dear Lin,
This is true wisdom. I like to think of you rested and coasting into Lanesboro.
Love, Leslie
Thank you, Leslie! Funny how it sometimes doesn’t seem like wisdom until someone else says it is! 🙂